A Metropolitan police firearms officer has been charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, who was shot dead last year in south London.
The officer, who is known only as NX121 at this stage, will appear before Westminster magistrates court on Thursday.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charge on Wednesday.
Kaba, 24, was killed by a single gunshot on 5 September 2022 in Streatham, south London. He was in a dark Audi car, which came to a halt and was boxed in by police.
In a statement, the family of Chris Kaba said: “Chris was so very loved by our family and all his friends. He had a bright future ahead of him, but his life was cut short. Our family and our wider community must see justice for Chris.
“We welcome this charging decision, which could not have come too soon. Now we await the trial of the firearms officer without delay and hope and pray that justice will be served.”
In March, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had referred a file of evidence to the CPS after finishing its homicide investigation.
Rosemary Ainslie, the head of the CPS special crime division, said: “Following a thorough review of the evidence provided by the IOPC , the CPS has authorised a charge of murder against a Metropolitan police officer following the death of Chris Kaba.
“Mr Kaba died on 6 September 2022 after he was struck by a single bullet in Streatham Hill, south London.
“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the officer are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
The IOPC’s acting director of operations, Amanda Rowe, said: “Today the Crown Prosecution Service has announced that a Metropolitan police service officer will appear in court tomorrow charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
“The officer and Mr Kaba’s family were notified of the decision by the CPS this morning.
“The officer, who we are unable to name for legal reasons at this time, will be appearing at the Westminster magistrates court tomorrow morning.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Kaba’s family and everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“It’s important now that criminal proceedings are able to run their course. We would reiterate the importance of not reporting, commenting or sharing information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings.”
